Baylor University has made extraordinary progress during the presidency of Judge Ken Starr. With his guidance, Baylor's standing as a comprehensive national research university has elevated and more than a dozen new degree programs have been created. In light of the success, the Baylor Board of Regents voted to extend the contract of President Starr, assigning him the new title of "President and Chancellor." He will continue to serve as the University's chief executive officer, but in providing the additional title, the Board has charged the President to work to increase Baylor's influence in the nation and around the world.

In the latest U.S. News rankings, Baylor at No. 75 is the second-ranked university in the Big 12, behind only the University of Texas at Austin at No. 52. Baylor is the fifth-ranked university in Texas, behind Rice University, UT-Austin, SMU and Texas A&M.

Following extensive discussion with the Waco Foundation and the City of West Long Term Recovery Committee, Baylor University announced in July that $290,716 in total contributions to the Baylor West Relief Fund had been allocated to First Baptist Church of West to aid the remainder of its debris removal project for the residents of West.

The Texas Hunger Initiative (THI) at Baylor University has received a $3.5 million Community Partnership Program (CPP) contract from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that will allow THI to develop an innovative statewide public-private partnership to expand access to food and health care for low-income Texas families through community-based research and programmatic activities. The contract is renewable for up to five years.

Baylor's commitment to provide an academically sound and integrated education has placed the school at the top of its class. According to a study on general education requirements conducted in April by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, Baylor is the only school that meets the highest criteria.